Why were flags flown at half-staff today?

me

[sdk7x7]

Vanity question: today I was in the area of Union Station (Washington, DC) and noticed that all of the American and state flags around there were being flown at half-staff. A few blocks away I saw the same thing at a government building.

I've looked online to figure out why this was, but I haven't come up with anything. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Jewels1091]

no idea..hmmm. Somebody important in DC die?

[Perdogg]

I think they are always like that at Union Station.

[Revolting cat!]

I dunno, thanks for axin'.

[JennysCool]

Must've been a reaction to the Redskins game.

[luv2lurkhere]

I noticed the flags in my area, central coast of California, were at half mast also today. We had a long time mayor pass away last week, so I assumed that was the reason. But now, I wonder. Is it just a coincidence? Hmmm....

[Doogle]

Must've been a reaction to the Redskins game.

WOOHOO....GO Giants.....hey give me a break, after the collapse of the Yankees I gotta recover some way

Doogle

[muawiyah]

The 20th Annual AIDS Walk Washington to benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic. Although this was on October 7, it looks like there were some flags (not otherwise attended to) that were lowered by unknown persons to half staff and were still that way on October 8.

There was a pre-marathon event today too.

[JennysCool]

Actually, I think this is it:

In accordance with federal Public Law 107-51, the Sunday of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in October is set aside to remember fallen firefighters throughout the nation.

[GoBucks2002]

Getting an early start on the death of our country as we know it.

Officially, it will be on November 7th.

[AZLiberty]

Visiting Albuquerque on Friday, I saw a flag at half-mast there, too.

[PghBaldy]

Five US deaths in Iraq were just reported on Fox. Some on Friday, some today, IIRC. I couldn't find anything else. The report was very odd (on FNC) - it seemed little info... OH- several hundred Iraqi policemen were poisoned at their Ramadan breaking of the fast. A horrible incident.

[PghBaldy]

I will have to re-read the story. It was filed 609pm ET - didn't say how many had died...

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Yep. That's the reason.

This Sunday, October 8, 2006 is National Fallen Firefighter Day.

Did you know that the law requires the American flag be lowered in tribute on only a few days each year? Quite appropriately, one of these days is the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Let your local media know that American flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 8, 2006. This includes the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as buildings in your local community.

Remember to lower the American flags at your home, fire department, and business. Encourage your local community to follow the Federal Government's example. When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.

[ASA Vet]

Visiting Albuquerque on Friday, I saw a flag at half-mast there, too

There's a ship in Albuquerque?

[JennysCool]

Thanks for the further explanation.

Definitely a fitting tribute.

[scrabblehack]

I think I've found it -- an Amendment to 36 U.S.C. 151302:

---

Pub. L. 107-51, Oct. 16, 2001, 115 Stat. 267, provided that:

Whereas 1,200,000 men and women comprise the American fire and emergency services;
Whereas the fire and emergency services is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States;
Whereas fire and emergency services personnel respond to over 16 million emergency calls annually, without reservation and with little regard for their personal safety;
Whereas fire and emergency services personnel are the first to respond to an emergency, whether it involves a fire, medical emergency, spill of hazardous materials, natural disaster, act of terrorism, or transportation accident;
Whereas approximately one-third of all active fire and emergency personnel suffer debilitating injuries annually; and
Whereas approximately 100 fire and emergency services personnel die annually in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That each year, the American flags on all Federal office buildings will be lowered to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

---

Now the law doesn't specifically say what day -- is it Oct. 16 (which is also Columbus Day this year)? At least the United States Code specifically mentions December 7 for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and September 11 for Patriot Day, and May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May), in which case the flag is not flown at half-staff...

[Jewels1091]

hey for that, ther would be dancing in the streets! shouldn't say that, but my heart would not be broken.

[JennysCool]

This is pertinent:

Let your local media know that American flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 8, 2006.

Judging from the distinct lack of coverage (we all had to do quite a bit of searching to find the reason), the media was apparently too busy reporting salacious e-mails to do much about fallen emergency services workers.